5 potential trades Steelers must consider before deadline
2. DE Leonard Williams (New York Jets)
Analysis: Since entering the NFL, Williams has been fighting to be the “guy.” Highly regarded as the top prospect in the 2015 NFL draft, Williams was instantly overshadowed by both All-Pro DE Muhammad Wilkerson and 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year DE Sheldon Richardson. It wasn’t until last year, that Williams was given the opportunity to be the unquestioned leader on the Jets defensive line.
Just like #49ers DE Arik Armstead in a contract year playing on 5th-year option, #Steelers OLB Bud Dupree is also having a breakout season. Both 2015 1st-round picks who greatly underperformed until this year. From last year to this year huge improvement IMO. #HereWeGo
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter) October 14, 2019
That season, Williams recorded 5.0 sacks, a far cry from what NFL pundits projected he would have coming out of USC. The Jets picked up his fifth-year option in hopes he would have a breakout campaign like 49ers DE Arik Armstead and Steelers OLB Bud Dupree, but that hasn’t been the case. So far this season, he has yet to pick up a sack.
But not everything shows up in the stat sheet, often times Williams is occupying multiple blockers even lining up at the one-technique to help create pressure up front. He’s still making plays, getting pressure, but just not racking up sacks. If the Steelers want a foundational player to eventually replace DE Cameron Heyward while filling in for Tuitt, look no further, Williams is that guy.